Syracuse offers an unexpectedly diverse range of tours that make exploring this city and its surroundings both fun and memorable. Whether you’re a wine lover, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone looking for a playful way to discover the city, Syracuse has options that deliver. For example, the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour offers a smooth, relaxing day among vineyards, with small-group intimacy and scenic views that make it stand out. Meanwhile, the Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour dives into the local craft beer scene, taking you behind the scenes at hop farms and microbreweries—perfect for those who prefer a frothy pint over a glass of Riesling.
What sets Syracuse apart is the mixture of traditional tastes and playful experiences. You can sip wine at tranquil vineyards, sample handcrafted beers at small breweries, or even challenge friends to an axe-throwing contest. For a more interactive experience, consider the Syracuse Showdown Scavenger Hunt or the Groovy Geneva Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll explore the city with a live host guiding the way—and maybe a bit of good-natured competition. For something different, the Explore Syracuse with a Fun Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers offers an amusing twist, where survival skills are tested in a zombie apocalypse scenario.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the best Tours in Syracuse, each with unique features suited to different interests and schedules.
1. Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour offers an elegant way to explore New York’s premier wine region. This approximately 5 to 6-hour experience includes round-trip transfers from select Syracuse hotels, so you can relax without worrying about driving. You’ll visit four of the top vineyards, including Ventosa Vineyards, where you can add a scenic lunch with a glass of wine overlooking the 23-acre property. The tour is capped at just 12 travelers, making it intimate and engaging.
The highlight is sampling a variety of wines—from dry Rieslings to dessert wines—crafted using sustainable practices at Fox Run Vineyards and other local wineries. The personable wine host shares insights about the region’s terroir and wine-making techniques, which makes each tasting more meaningful. Tour guests consistently praise the small-group atmosphere and expert guidance, with one review noting, “It made our first trip to the Finger Lakes so memorable.”
This tour is perfect for wine novices and connoisseurs alike who want a relaxing, informative day among beautiful scenery. The value lies in the inclusive transportation, multiple tastings, and the chance to enjoy some of the best wines in the state without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, small-group tour with scenic vineyard visits and optional lunch—ideal for wine lovers and those seeking a stress-free experience.
2. Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour
At number 2, the Farms, Flights: Finger Lakes Brewery Tour explores Syracuse’s craft beer scene over an approximately 5-hour trip. While mainly focusing on microbreweries and nanobreweries, this tour offers a deep dive into local brewing with stops at Climbing Bines Hop Farm and Fleur De Lis Brew Works. The tour showcases the region’s small-batch and estate-grown hops, emphasizing sustainable practices and innovative brewing.
Your driver doubles as a guide, providing inside info on the area’s craft beer culture. You’ll enjoy tastings of unique brews, including one-off batches and seasonal selections, with a chance to learn about the brewing process firsthand. Lunch can be added on request, making it a flexible day for beer enthusiasts. The tour’s small size—up to 12 travelers—ensures a personalized experience, and reviews highlight the fun and knowledgeable guides, with one noting, “We met some nice people at each location and learned a lot about the local beer scene.”
This tour is best suited for craft beer fans eager to explore multiple breweries without the responsibilities of driving. It combines regional agriculture with brewing artistry, making it a flavorful and educational experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers wanting an up-close look at local hop farms and craft breweries, all with a friendly, small-group vibe.
3. 1 Hr Syracuse Axe Throwing
If you’re looking for a fun, active way to break up your trip, the 1 Hr Syracuse Axe Throwing offers just that. For only $28, you get an hour of coaching and practice in throwing axes and knives, all supervised by experienced instructors. It’s a straightforward, exciting activity suitable for anyone curious about trying something new or wanting a competitive edge with friends.
The range features mural art and offers all necessary equipment. Reviewers mention the friendly and enthusiastic staff, with one saying, “Our teacher was very enthusiastic and added good vibes.” Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned thrower, the short duration and relaxed atmosphere make this a perfect quick activity that can be combined with other tours or free time.
This experience is especially appealing for travelers who want to add a little adrenaline and a lot of laughs to their itinerary without a hefty time commitment. It’s a great choice for groups, couples, or solo adventurers keen to test their skills.
Bottom Line: An energetic and social activity that’s easy to fit into any day, offering fun and a bit of friendly competition.
4. Syracuse Showdown Scavenger Hunt
Number 4 is the Syracuse Showdown Scavenger Hunt, a lively and innovative way to discover the city. The two-hour experience includes your own remote, live host who guides you via your phone, making it interactive and flexible. This scavenger hunt combines elements of a tour, detective challenge, and social game, as you explore landmarks and hidden spots around Syracuse.
Participants can choose to work together or compete against each other, making it perfect for families, friends, or team-building groups. The host provides support along the way, keeping the game engaging and fun. The unique format means you can pace yourself and enjoy the city at your own speed, snapping photos and solving clues.
While reviews are limited, the format appeals to those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and interactive challenges. It’s an affordable option that adds an element of excitement to exploring Syracuse.
Bottom Line: Ideal for tech-savvy travelers who want an active, interactive way to see Syracuse in a playful setting with friends or family.
5. Groovy Geneva Scavenger Hunt
Although set in Geneva, NY, the Groovy Geneva Scavenger Hunt deserves a spot for its creative approach. With a live host guiding you via your phone, this two-hour adventure offers a blend of tour, challenge, and social experiment. It’s perfect for those who prefer a flexible, app-based experience without fixed schedules.
This scavenger hunt encourages discovery of local landmarks, hidden gems, and fun challenges—making it a memorable way to see different parts of the region. The host provides support, ensuring your team stays engaged and on track. Reviewers mention the uniqueness of the experience, and at just $21.60 per person, it offers excellent value.
This option is great for small groups looking for a casual, engaging activity that combines sightseeing with friendly competition, all at your own pace.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, interactive way to explore Geneva, perfect for groups seeking a playful, personalized tour.
$21.60 per person
6. Self-Guided Syracuse Scavenger Hunt: At The Center Of New York!
For a flexible and budget-conscious option, the Self-Guided Syracuse Scavenger Hunt allows you to explore at your own pace. Using an app, you’ll answer trivia, complete challenges, and learn about Syracuse’s top landmarks and lesser-known sites. It’s a smart choice for independent travelers or families wanting to customize their sightseeing.
The app-based format means no fixed schedule, and you can choose your route and pace. Along the way, you’ll snap photos and receive digital copies of your scavenger hunt photos—making for great memories. The cost is just over $12 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.
This tour suits those comfortable with technology and interested in a personalized, educational experience. It works well if you want to combine sightseeing with some light puzzle-solving.
Bottom Line: Perfect for self-motivated explorers who like learning as they wander through Syracuse.
$12.31 per person
7. Utica Scavenger Hunt
The Utica Scavenger Hunt offers a similar interactive experience with its own twist. This remote, live-hosted game takes you through Utica’s streets, uncovering local secrets and solving puzzles. It’s ideal for groups who enjoy detective-style challenges and want to test their urban navigation skills.
While reviews are limited, the concept of a guided, app-based adventure is engaging, and the price point makes it accessible. It’s especially fitting for those who want a mix of sightseeing and problem-solving, providing an active way to learn about nearby Utica.
Bottom Line: A fun, detective-style activity suitable for groups wanting an engaging way to explore more than just Syracuse.
$27.00 per person
8. Skaneateles Shuffle Scavenger Hunt
The Skaneateles Shuffle is another custom scavenger hunt, designed to explore the charming village of Skaneateles. It’s an interactive, remote experience with a live host, covering about two hours of discovery. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon, it combines sightseeing with creative challenges.
Although it currently has no reviews, its focus on a picturesque village makes it appealing for travelers who want a laid-back experience with some friendly competition. It’s suitable for small groups, families, or couples who enjoy puzzles and local scenery.
Bottom Line: An engaging, low-pressure way to see Skaneateles, especially if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and lighthearted competition.
$29.00 per person
9. Explore Syracuse with a Fun Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
Finally, the Zombie Scavengers experience turns Syracuse into a post-apocalyptic battleground. For just $20 per group, you’ll use an app to find survival items and complete challenges in a zombie-themed setting. It’s a unique twist on the standard scavenger hunt, adding a sense of urgency and humor.
Designed for those who enjoy games, puzzles, and a bit of storytelling, this activity is perfect for families or groups looking for something different. Its hour-long duration makes it easy to slot into a day of sightseeing or other activities.
While new to reviews, the concept is sure to appeal to tech-savvy players who want a fun, story-driven challenge.
Bottom Line: A playful and original activity for groups who like games, challenges, and a bit of role-playing to spice up their Syracuse visit.
$20.00 per group (up to 10)
How to Choose the Right Tour in Syracuse
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For a relaxed, scenic experience, the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour offers great value with its all-inclusive vineyard visits. If craft beer is more your style, the Farms, Flights Brewery Tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at local brewing. Active travelers may enjoy the axe throwing or scavenger hunts, which combine fun with exploration.
For families or groups wanting flexibility, the self-guided scavenger hunt allows you to explore at your own pace, while themed hunts like the Zombie Scavengers add a playful twist. Book early during peak seasons—spring through fall—to secure your spot and enjoy Syracuse’s best offerings without disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Syracuse truly has a lot to offer—whether you’re into wine, beer, active challenges, or interactive city adventures. The small-group tours like the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting and Farms, Flights Brewery Tour are ideal for those who want an in-depth, guided experience with personalized touches. Meanwhile, the innovative scavenger hunts and axe-throwing activities are perfect for travelers seeking a lively, playful day.
If you’re planning your trip, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend on each activity. Many of these tours are affordable and provide unique ways to see and taste the region. Since popular options fill up quickly, especially in nice weather, booking in advance is highly recommended. Whatever you choose, Syracuse’s diverse tour options will make your visit lively and memorable.